We all know that feeling of holding on to something that just doesn’t serve us anymore—whether it’s a bad habit, a fear, or an old belief that’s past its expiration date. It’s like we’re that owl in the story, clutching onto a rotten rat, too scared to let it go, even when something as magnificent as a phoenix soars above us. Let’s take a closer look at this ancient tale and see what it can teach us about our journey as guitarists.

The Tale of the Owl and the Phoenix

Hui Shi, the prime minister of Liang, was convinced that Zhuangzi, the wiseman was scheming to take his job. So, what did he do? He sent the cops after Zhuangzi, hunting him down for three days and nights. But before they could catch him, Zhuangzi walked right up to Hui Shi and dropped some serious wisdom.

He asked if Hui Shi had ever heard of the phoenix, that immortal bird from the South Sea. This majestic creature flies all the way to the North Sea, only resting in sacred trees and feasting on the finest fruits. One day, this phoenix flew over an owl gnawing on a dead, half-rotten rat. The owl, terrified, clung to its disgusting meal and screeched in panic. Zhuangzi then asked Hui Shi, “Why are you clinging so desperately to your ministry and screeching at me with such fear?”

The Guitarist’s Rotten Rat

As guitarists, we’ve all got our own version of that rotten rat—whether it’s insecurities about our skills, fear of not being good enough, or maybe even clinging to outdated ideas about what makes us successful musicians. We worry that if we let go, we’ll lose something vital. But just like the owl, we might be clutching onto something that’s only holding us back.

The real question we need to ask ourselves is: Are we feeding our inner selves with the finest fruits, or are we settling for something half-rotten? Are we letting our fears, envy, or greed tie us down? We have the potential for something much greater, but only if we stop gnawing on those old rats.

What the Dalai Lama Says About Happiness

The Dalai Lama offers some powerful insights on happiness that can help us here. He says that true happiness isn’t just about what we experience with our senses—like the taste of a great riff or the feel of a perfectly played chord. It’s about what’s going on in our minds.

If our minds are filled with doubt, fear, or insecurity, we could be surrounded by beauty and not even notice it. But if our minds are clear and serene, we can handle whatever challenges come our way, and even turn them into something beautiful. This suggests that our mental and emotional experiences are way more powerful than anything we can experience through our senses.

Letting Go of the Rotten Rat

The owl in the story isn’t in any real danger; it’s just its own fear that’s causing all the pain. The wise guitarist, like the phoenix, learns to recognize that most of the threats we feel are all in our heads. The real pain we experience often comes from the anticipation of losing something we don’t even need in the first place.

So, what can we do? First, we need to nourish our spirit with the purest and most enriching experiences. Just like the phoenix that only eats the finest fruits and drinks from the clearest streams, we should seek out music that elevates us, that connects us with our deepest essence. Instead of clinging to the “rotten rats” of insecurity, comparison, and fear, we should aim for authenticity and fulfillment in our art.

Conclusion: Soar Like the Phoenix

At the end of the day, it’s crucial to remember that true happiness and satisfaction come from within, from a clear and serene mind, not from external validation or superficial achievements. By freeing our minds from the chains of fear and doubt, we can play and create music that truly resonates with our soul. And when we do that, we not only connect more deeply with our audience, but we also find a deeper connection with ourselves.

So, are you ready to let go of that rotten rat and soar like the phoenix? Your journey as a guitarist will be all the richer for it.